Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for MyLuLaoshi
Ever wonder how it is like having lessons with Lu Laoshi? We extracted a part of our newly updated FAQ to provide you with some information! Contact us to find out more!
About MyLuLaoshi Courses
1) How effective are the lessons? Will my child improve after attending laoshi’s course?
The lessons are highly effective. Laoshi uses researched and proven techniques to deliver results in shortest time. Laoshi has fifteen years of experience delivering the techniques and the methods are constantly refined to keep up on the pace of changing syllabuses. Students learn actively in our classes; they do not just stare and listen to lectures. Evaluation is conducted for all of our learning objectives to keep track of students’ learning. As long as students apply our techniques faithfully, results are guaranteed. Laoshi does not compromise on her methods, thus we seek parents’ support to reinforce the methods on their children to apply what is taught here, for best efficacy.
3) Why are the lessons inclined towards exams?
We conduct Time Trials and Simulated Mock Oral sessions to provide real-time exam experience. Through these simulations, students are far more confident and aware of personal speed and attention span. Catering to different learning issues, through these simulations, Laoshi can identify learning needs more accurately, and advise strategies to improve examination scores.
4) Will the lessons instil interest or confidence in the Chinese Language?
Confidence in Chinese is gathered when students have adapted to our classroom active-learning climate. They will find that achievement is readily within grasp as long as they put in best effort to apply techniques faithfully. Students who have yet to adapt will have low interest and confidence, or even resistance at the start. This adaptation usually takes a few months or even up to half a year for Primary 4 and Primary 5 students. Parents are encouraged to join in Laoshi’s efforts, so to help students adapt to the active-learning climate.
5) How is lesson paced?
Learning objectives are set for each hour of the lesson. There is a short break interval in between objectives. Lessons are intensive, students are always engaged.
About Lu Laoshi
1) What is laoshi’s approach towards unmotivated students?
Laoshi generously reward ‘Stars’ for every small accomplishment, they are exchangeable for vouchers.
To make our lessons work, we cannot extensively compromise on the lack of learning or efforts. ‘Wake-up’ calls are scheduled periodically to keep students from slacking. We do nag at students to put in better efforts. Laoshi enlists parents’ home support to manage their children more appropriately.
2) How to handle the situation when child hasn’t adapted to classroom climate?
Based on our years of experience, Primary 4 and Primary 5 students face the most displacement. They tend to space out and disengage; some find it stressful as they are always busy during lessons. Students who don’t have regular working habits face more displacement. It is our job to nurture students’ working habits; we encourage students to be actively involved in their own work. They will be nagged to punch/staple/file, do corrections neatly, stay organised, write notes. This may seem troublesome to them at the start and they might be resistant, however, it is very important that parents should let them develop the habit and provide support when laoshi asks for it. Once they get used to the momentum, they will know when to be alert.
Poorly adapted students may be ‘disobedient’ and ‘uncooperative’. They might resist instructions and insist on working in their own pace and comfort. If speaking more loudly and clearly doesn’t work, laoshi will seek parents’ assistance to reinforce our instructions. Where necessary, laoshi may issue Incident Reports to highlight the issue and require parents to take action. Parents and teacher should share the common goal of inculcating good working habits on the children. Incident Reports are not disciplinary reports.
For the Students
1) Is this any homework given?
Homework is only assigned when laoshi runs out of time to complete work during lesson. Your child should take half hour to go through their file weekly to clear up corrections and do filing. Any doubts should be clarified during ‘consultation time’ weekly. Students may reinforce their learning by revising Compo/Oral phrases which require memorizing. When corrections pile up badly, students will be invited to attend remedial during holidays. Any work brought home will be noted on a memo stuck on their file. Students are responsible to complete the work before next lesson
2) How can my child stay in focus?
Your child can bring Honey Ginseng drink to class. It has proven results to keep students focused in class. He/She should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. They are also encouraged to take toilet trips to freshen up.
3) What are the expectations of the student?
Students should have good manners and respect everyone. Our students ‘Never Say Die’ we always keep trying and learn from our mistakes. We always put up our best fight. Students should be verbal and stay in close communication with teacher. When facing a setback, students should identify the issue and solve it. When they are confused, tell it. When they are unsure, ask. When they are careless, apologize, explain the mistake and promise to do it right.
For the Parents
1) How should I handle the situation when child hasn’t adapted to classroom climate?
Based on our years of experience, Primary 4 and Primary 5 students face the most displacement. They tend to space out and disengage; some find it stressful as they are always busy during lessons. Students who don’t have regular working habits face more displacement. It is our job to nurture students’ working habits; we encourage students to be actively involved in their own work. They will be nagged to punch/staple/file, do corrections neatly, stay organised, write notes. This may seem troublesome to them at the start and they might be resistant, however, it is very important that parents should let them develop the habit and provide support when laoshi asks for it. Once they get used to the momentum, they will know when to be alert.
Poorly adapted students may be ‘disobedient’ and ‘uncooperative’. They might resist instructions and insist on working in their own pace and comfort. If speaking more loudly and clearly doesn’t work, laoshi will seek parents’ assistance to reinforce our instructions. Where necessary, laoshi may issue Incident Reports to highlight the issue and require parents to take action. The intent of the Incident Report is to bring out the issue at the onset so action can be taken before the situation becomes grave. It is not a disciplinary action report. Parents and teacher should share the common goal of inculcating good working habits on the children.
2) How am I updated on the child’s progress?
Monthly feedback is emailed to parents. The feedback includes student’s participation in class, a review of their general performance, and giving an insight on what is happening in the next month. Individual work performance is recorded in students’ file. The dividers are records tasks, dates, results and correction status. Should there be incidents which require attention, Incident Reports will be issued, and student will be issued a Reflection Form to show parents his explanation of the incident.
3) Under what circumstances will laoshi issue an Incident Report?
Laoshi may issue an incident report when the student does not follow laoshi’s instructions in class regularly. Other possible reasons which may lead to Incident Reporting includes delay of corrections and homework, not making an effort to learn, or resistance to apply our methods. These reasons are not exhaustive. The intent of the Incident Report is to bring out the issue at the onset so action can be taken before the situation becomes grave. It is not a disciplinary action report.
4) What should I do if my child receives an Incident Report?
The Incident Report is issued when laoshi is seeking parent’s assistance and suggestions to improve the child’s learning process in class. Incident Reports should be treated in a positive light. For each Incident Report, the child is given a Reflection Form to take improvement actions on their work. Parents should ask the child to write down on the Reflection Form, so that they understand why the Incident Report was issued and what they can do to prevent a similar report from being issued in future. Parents should endorse the Incident Report and the Reflection Form.
5) What is my role in managing my child?
We encourage you to help your child stay emotionally strong, adapt to a new climate, and not to over-react. Adopt good working habits. Stay in pink of health, get good rest, nutrition, and exercise. Primary 4 and Primary 5 boys require more needs in this aspect. Psychological insecurity may keep them on their toes, but create negative tension. Daily routines and close monitoring works best. Developing the skills to adapt to changes will help your child in their lives as they grow up.
6) What is my role in helping my child?
We encourage parents to monitor and conduct checks on the student’s file to ensure work are done productively. Parents may counter test your child for Compo/Oral Phrase regurgitation before exams. Parents can also help to reinforce the application of our techniques.
